Remember: Camps Are Mandated Reporters

Remember: Camps Are Mandated Reporters

May 2011

Each year, ACA’s Camp Crisis Hotline service receives numerous calls reflecting uncertainty regarding the legal obligation to report suspected abuse of a child. Most often, those who call the Hotline want help understanding what steps they should take after the child reveals the information. A question that often gets asked is: “Do we have to report this?” The answer is YES! It is in the best interest of the child for you to immediately connect with those who are trained to investigate and handle these types of situations — and it is required by law.

If you believe a child has been harmed physically, sexually, or emotionally (whether at home, outside of camp, or at camp), you should report concerns to the appropriate authorities. In every state, qualified experts are available who can listen to your concerns, examine the situation, and determine the best course of action as to whether intervention or other services and/or actions are necessary.

Visit www.childwelfare.gov/responding/reporting.cfm for a listing of in-state, toll-free, and local phone numbers to report suspected child abuse. An additional resource for information about reporting child abuse or neglect is the Childhelp® National Child Abuse Hotline, 800-4-A-Child® (800-422-4453).

For more information on mandated reporting and child protection, see the following resources:

Additional ACA Resources

The ACA Human Resource (HR) Standard HR-11 requires that staff training includes information on the recognition, prevention, and reporting of child abuse, child to child, as well as adult to adult, both outside of and during the camp setting.

American Camp Association

About ACA

The American Camp Association is a community of camp professionals who, for over 100 years, have joined together to share our knowledge and experience and to ensure the quality of camp programs. Because of our diverse 12,000 plus membership and our exceptional programs, children and adults have the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, character-building, skill development, and healthy living — lessons that can be learned nowhere else.